What to do with grandma? (Charlotte, Gastonia: relocation, real estate, travel)

[jacksongirl]

My husband and I are moving to Cherryville, once our home is built. My mom lives here in New Jersey, not too far from us. She is almost 77 and gets around pretty good and not afraid to get a road map and check things out. She lives on her pension and social security and I'm wondering where she would live. What do they have for seniors? Are there senior housing facilities (not assisted living, unless she could afford it) and what activities are offered. Right now she enjoys Bingo, Mahjong and Atlantic City is an hour away. She takes reading to a whole new limit, reading 3 books at a time. She is not religeous so church groups are out. I don't want to drag her from where she is comfortable to a place where she will do nothing but read. Living with us is not an option because she is way to independant and we enjoy our private life. We have a daughter that is 20 and bought property next to ours but is still undecided if she wants to relocate or not. It all depends on where her new romance leads. I hope someone out there can help. Cherryville is a nice laid back town which isn't to everyones liking but we feel we will be very happy there. We are in our early 50's and ready to take it easy for a change and leave the rat race behind. Love the new Walmart! Less than 2 miles from our property. We were wondering if there are any malls in the planning stages with Charlette type stores so I don't have to drive there. My daughter likes her Coach bags and higher end makeup lines that she can only buy from higher end stores. She hasn't lived long enough to appreciate the simpler things in life but if she decides to live on her own, she will soon learn that a bag purchased from Kohls is just as nice as Coach! These are lessons we have had years to learn and she is just starting out. So, anyone that would like to help come up with "what to do with grandma" is welcome to chime in. I am open to any other ideas and suggestions and look forward to life in North Carolina.

[Margaret Vee]

What to do with Grandma. I can't figure out how to post my own question but have somewhat the same problem. My friend recently moved to locust to be near her son. She has MS and he works. Can anyone direct me to a senior service director or an MS support group for her? Thankyou

[montanamom]

There is a wonderful Senior Center in Shelby/Fallston, not too far from Cherryville, where a Senior can get involved in a lot of activities and make some friendships. (We looked into assisted living places in the Shelby and Kings Mountain areas for my elderly father when we lived in the area, but they were ridiculously expensive.)

By the way, there is a very nice mall in Gastonia, near Cherryville. In addition, there is plenty of other shopping in Gastonia, and more stores being added all the time. You shouldn't have to drive to Charlotte, unless you want to. (You are also not too far from Concord Mills Mall, a HUGE mall and a popular destination).

Hope you enjoy North Carolina!

[NC~Mom]

You'll be closer to Shelby for shopping & entertainment...I'd do a little reaserch and find what Senior services are offered there.

[montanamom]

I worked in Cleveland Mall in Shelby for 9 years, there is a nice Belks, a Bath and Body Shop, a Sears, and a Goodys. Unfortunately, other than that, when I left the mall seemed to be dying a slow death, lots of stores had closed and left the mall or moved to other locations. Then there's the Super Wal-mart, and Lowe's, but other than that, I can't think of much. Downtown Shelby has been dead shopping-wise for years (Wal-mart and the economic down-turn killed it), but the Shelby Cafe is great for a homecooked southern meal (if you're not on a low-fat diet or anything!). For entertainment, there is the Alive after 5 concert series in Shelby every Thursday night during the summer, if that is still ongoing. We caught some good plays and concerts at Cleveland Community College, and there is a large movie theater at Cleveland Mall. There is plenty to do, if you look for it.

[NC~Mom]

There is alot more to offer in Shelby as far as shopping besides the mall...

Here are some informative links:
Shelby, North Carolina (NC) Detailed Profile - relocation, real estate, travel, jobs, hospitals, schools, crime, news, sex offenders
Uptown Shelby Association

Another great place to eat is The Clock on W. Dixon Blvd.
Fabulous Southern food!